Visitors to North Yorkshire, England, should take the time to stop by Skipton and discover a medieval past amidst a modern town. Skipton Castle is one of the most complete medieval castles in England and it offers the perfect opportunity to learn some UK history with the assistance of a life-sized visual aid. A tour of the Castle, complete with pictorial guide, will give visitors an idea of what life through the centuries might have been like.
The History of Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle dates back to 1090 when Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, erected a primitive fort that, at the time, did little to deter the raiding Scots. It wasn't until 1310 that Robert Clifford, the first Lord of Skipton, set about seriously strengthening the Castle's stone defenses. The Clifford family is closely linked with Skipton Castle, and it is their motto – Desormais ('henceforth!') – that adorns the top of the main gate.
Over the years the Cliffords continued to make changes and restorations to the Castle as wars came and went and history wrote itself. During the Civil War, Skipton Castle was the only Royalist stronghold left in the north and when it yielded after a three year siege in 1645 the garrison marched out with colours flying and trumpets sounding. In the 1680s the castle was divided to make a private residence.
Today the Castle is a living history book and each room provides an insight into the daily routines of the Castle's one-time inhabitants. Visitors can imagine gatherings in the Banquet Hall, fattened pigs roasting on the kitchen's ancient hearth and prisoners – including Mary Queen of Scots – held in the windowless dungeon. The battlements and fighting chambers suggest a turbulent history and reinforce the Castle's main function as a fortress.
History Brought to Life
One of the best times to visit Skipton Castle is during a re-enactment weekend. Nothing conjures up history like people wandering through the Castle dressed in medieval livery and speaking as if they were still in the era of their costume. The re-enactors are also history buffs in their own right, and will happily discourse on their area of specialty, whether it be medieval weaponry, herbal medicine or the art of weaving.
Skipton Castle also offers guided tours for school and youth groups designed to stimulate young minds and cover areas of the National Curriculum. A Teachers Resource Pack with background information, worksheets and teaching ideas is available to teachers wishing to build on a visit to the Castle.
Opening Hours, Entry Fees and Parking
Skipton Castle is open every day from 10am (Sundays from 12 noon), except 25th December.
Last admissions 6pm (Oct-Feb 4pm).
Entry fees are:
Adults – £6
Over 60s and students – £5.40
Under 18s – £3.50
Under 5s – Free
Family tickets – £18.90
All tickets include an illustrated tour sheet in a choice of nine languages.
Skipton Castle is situated at the top of High Street (the town's main road). There is parking available off High Street near the Castle. Skipton's train and bus stations are also close by.
Spend a Day Exploring a Part of English History
Skipton Castle is the perfect destination for families, school groups, tourists and anyone interested in English history. Apart from the attraction of one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, the Castle grounds offer other facilities including the Clifford Tea Rooms, the Castle Shop and the Chapel Terrace picnic area.
The historic Castle is worth a visit at any time of the year and hosts several events, ranging from art exhibitions to Shakespearean plays, to make revisits worthwhile too.
For more information and a list of current events, visit the Skipton Castle website.
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